'His impact will last forever': Sports world mourns Hall of Fame U of L coach Denny Crum

A Louisville legend, Hall of Fame U of L men's basketball coach Denny Crum, has died.

Crum, who led the Cardinals to six Final Fours and two NCAA championships during his 30-year tenure (1971–2001), died at his home Tuesday morning at age 86, the university said in a statement.

Here's how members of the community and the college basketball world are reacting in statements and on social media:

Crum dies at 86: Remembering the legendary Louisville basketball coach and Hall of Famer

Louisville athletics director Josh Heird

"Today is an extremely sad day for all of us who love the Louisville Cardinals," Heird said. "Coach Crum brought so much joy and happiness to the U of L campus, the Louisville community, and countless fans across the country and the world for so many years. He embodied what a coach should be: he cared deeply about his players, he worked tirelessly for his university, he espoused the right values and stuck to them and he lived each and every day for his family. Coach gave his heart and soul to this university and this community and he will forever be a part of our past, present and future. Our prayers are with his wife, Susan, and the entire Crum family. In the days, weeks and months ahead, we will honor and celebrate the wonderful life of Coach Denny Crum."

Louisville basketball coach Kenny Payne, who played for Crum from 1985-89

"Today is a sad day for me personally, as well as the basketball world," Payne said. "My thoughts go through all the lessons that he taught, not just to me, but every player he ever came in contact with. Those lessons are still relevant today. We were so blessed to have him in our lives. He was a true treasure who gave so much to (the) university and the community. We must keep his memory alive. My prayers go out to his family and especially Susan. He is in a better place. Rest in peace Coach. You touched so many. Well done."

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University of Louisville President Dr. Kim Schatzel

"The University of Louisville, our community and college basketball fans everywhere have lost a legend in Coach Denny Crum," Schatzel said. "Whether he was leading his beloved Cardinal teams, representing the university with alumni and friends or supporting the many community organizations that counted on his generous spirit and enthusiasm, Coach Crum left a legacy that is unmatched. He will be remembered not only for the many wins and championships, but also for his calm demeanor, warm sense of humor and deep love for his adopted hometown and its people. Our lives are better for having known him. Our hearts go out to Susan and the entire Crum family."

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell

"It’s with deep sadness that Elaine and I learned of the loss of the great 'Mr. March,' the University of Louisville Men's Basketball coaching legend Denny Crum," said McConnell, a U of L graduate. "For three decades, Coach Crum led the Cardinals to unparalleled successes, bringing the city and the university national attention.

"His storied career included two National Championships, six NCAA Final Four appearances, and a well-deserved inclusion into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The Cardinal community loved their coach and will miss his calm leadership both on and off the court. We send our deepest sympathies to his wife Susan and all of his friends and family."

Kenny Klein, former U of L senior associate athletic director/sports information director

"It was an honor to work 18 years with such an icon for our basketball program, university & the entire Louisville community," Klein said. "Coach Crum was a winner as a coach, but also a champion as a person, a gentleman who was kind, generous and eager to offer his time to help others."

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Former Louisville basketball player James 'Boo' Brewer (1988-93)

"L’s Up to my dad," Brewer said. "The (G.O.A.T.), my mentor, my best friend, my hero, my everything, MY COACH!! LOVE THIS MAN SO MUCH! He taught me a lot about loyalty, determination, dedication and work ethic. RIP Coach Denny Crum."

Former Louisville basketball player, Lenoir-Rhyne coach Everick Sullivan (1988-92)

"Rest well coach," Sullivan said. "You will be missed but never forgotten."

Louisville football coach Jeff Brohm

"I am heartbroken and saddened by the passing of Coach Denny Crum, a true Louisville and coaching icon," Brohm said. "Growing up a Cardinal fan, he was a role model for us all in how he carried himself and elevated our basketball program to unprecedented heights.

"Cool Hand Luke brought us championships with the utmost class. His teams were high-flying and exciting and set a standard that others tried to emulate. Coach Crum never stopped serving this community, and his impact will last forever.

"He and his wife, Susan, became close friends of our family over the years, and we send our deepest condolences to his entire family and all those many people who loved him."

Louisville women's basketball coach Jeff Walz

"We are all saddened by the passing of Hall of Fame Coach, Denny Crum," Walz said. "Not only was he a great basketball mind but he was an even better person. Sending lots of love and prayers to Susan, his family and all who are effected by this loss."

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Former Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino

"I was saddened to learn of the passing of Denny Crum," Pitino said. "My prayers are with his family. He was beloved by all Cardinal fans."

Former Louisville athletics director Vince Tyra

"Cherished our friendship and the respect he showed my father and our family," Tyra said. "He loved U of L and our city. His legacy and records remain."

Former Louisville basketball coach Chris Mack

"Not many as inviting as the legendary Coach Denny Crum," Mack said. "I appreciated all of our time together. Praying for Susan, your family & all the lives you changed. Rest in Peace Coach."

Former Louisville men's basketball player Peyton Siva Jr. (2009-13)

"RIP to the Legend!!!" Siva said. "Thanks for always supporting me and treating me with kindness. You truly are One of One."

Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari

"Denny Crum was truly a Hall of Famer," Calipari said. "He was kind, had a great sense of humor but make no mistake about it, he was a competitor who wanted to win every game," Calipari wrote on Twitter. "My heart goes out to Susan and his family and friends. We lost another legend in our state today. Rest in peace, my friend."

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Dan Gavitt, NCAA senior vice president of basketball

"The NCAA sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of of Denny Crum," Gavitt said. "Coach Crum was a three-time national champion as an assistant on John Wooden's staff at UCLA before building a terrific program at Louisville. His impact with the Cardinals was immediate, leading them to the first of six Final Fours in his very first season in 1972, before winning a pair of national titles and eventually earning a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. More than two decades after his retirement, Coach Crum is still making a difference at Louisville, thanks to his scholarship fund. We join the university and the community in mourning Denny's passing.

Former Duke basketball player and ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas

"RIP to the legendary Louisville coach Denny Crum," Bilas said. "Coach Crum was a brilliant coach, teacher, and competitor, and one of the finest gentlemen and champions the game has ever known. Denny Crum will always be Louisville Basketball."

ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale

"So sad to learn of the passing of good friend DENNY CRUM ⁦⁦@LouisvilleMBB," Vitale said. "A true LEGEND & HALL OF FAMER! May Coach Crum RIP."

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

"Denny Crum was a basketball legend, making an impact here in Kentucky by leading Louisville to win multiple national titles," Beshear said. "But even more importantly, he made a difference in the community by running an inclusive program for all to enjoy. He will be greatly missed."

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg

"I am saddened to learn of Coach Crum's passing," Greenberg said. "As a lifelong Cards fan, I grew up admiring Coach Crum's passion and commitment on and off the court. He made a positive, lasting impact on his players, the University, and our City.

"Rachel and I send our sympathies to Susan and his entire family. Coach Crum will be missed."

Reach Louisville men's basketball reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @brooksHolton.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Denny Crum death: Remembering Hall of Fame Louisville basketball coach